Carved from Silence: A Yoga & Clay Meditation Retreat
November 12–14, 2027
A 3-Day Sanctuary of Somatic Movement & Embodied Clay Creations in Brandenburg
Hosts: Lisa Ferstl, Yoga Teacher and Founder of Feel Yoga & Anke Buchmann, Artist and Founder of Clay Meditation and HANDFUL
Language: English (both facilitators also speak German)
What’s Included
Somatic Morning Yoga as well as Yin Yoga & Soundscape Sessions in the evenings
Daily Clay Meditation & Kurinuki Workshops including clay and materials
Mindful Matcha Tea Ceremony & Guided Meditation
Accommodation in private or shared rooms with own bathroom
A slow sauna afternoon for rest, warmth & unwinding
Seasonal vegetarian/vegan brunch and three-course vegetarian/vegan dinner
Tea and snacks throughout the day
Extra Cost: Glazing & high-firing of your hand-carved tea bowl at HANDFUL Atelier
Carved from Silence brings yoga and clay together as two forms of embodied meditation. Through somatic movement and breath we slow down, turn our attention inward and become curious about the subtle impulses of the body. At the clay table, this same quality of presence moves into the hands, where sensation, touch and intuition gradually take shape in the tactile clay sculpting.
Guided by artist Anke Buchmann, you will explore the Japanese tradition of Kurinuki, slowly carving a tea bowl from a solid piece of clay. Rather than beginning with a finished idea, you let form emerge through the process: carving, sensing, responding.
Over three days, we move between body and clay, stillness and movement, sensing and making. A creative practice rooted in presence, with a hand-carved tea bowl to carry a little of that experience home.
Embodied Movement - Move from within
Led by yoga teacher Lisa Ferstl, our yoga sessions set the tone for mindful movement and presence unfolding from sensation.
Somatic Morning Yoga: Mornings begin with somatic inspired yoga, inviting you to sense and move from within. Gentle flows weave together breath, rhythm and intuitive movement, creating space for curiosity and creative impulses. This quality of attention travels with us from the mat to the clay table, from sensing through the body to sensing through the hands.
Yin Yoga & Soundscapes: Later in the day, restorative Yin Yoga accompanied by the sounds of singing bowls invites you to slow down and soften. Longer-held postures offer space to rest, integrate and return to stillness.
Clay Meditation & the creation of your own tea bowl
Led by artist Anke Buchmann, our daily clay sessions allow slow crafting and invite us to empty a bowl of clay while simultaneously emptying our mind.
The Kurinuki Method (Shaping Your Tea Bowl): Dive into the traditional, Japanese art of Kurinuki - carving, hollow-sculpting, and shaping a solid block of clay from the inside out. This slow process encourages patience, texture-listening, and true presence.
Mindful Matcha Tea Ceremony: Experience a grounded Matcha tea ceremony combined with guided meditation. We honor the tea bowl as a ritual object - connecting the vessel you build with the sensory art of drinking tea.
From Process to Permanent Keepsake: Every carve, texture, and thumbprint becomes an authentic mark of your present moment. After the retreat, your raw tea bowl will be safely brought to Berlin, glazed, and high-fired at HANDFUL Atelier, ready to accompany your daily tea rituals at home.
Venue & Atmosphere: Der Friedrichshof
Surrounded by the quiet landscapes of Brandenburg, Der Friedrichshof is a place made for slowing down. Thoughtfully designed spaces, wide gardens and a calm, intimate atmosphere create room for movement, creativity and rest.
Between practices, wander outside, curl up with a cup of tea or warm up in the Finnish sauna. Seasonal vegetarian and vegan brunches and three-course dinners, prepared with regional ingredients, make nourishment part of the retreat experience.
Location: Der Friedrichshof, Brandenburg, Germany (1.5 hours from Berlin)
This Retreat is for You If...
... you love yoga and are curious to experience it beyond the shape of the poses .... you are curious about clay and making, even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person. .... you long for a nourishing escape: Slow down in nature and enjoy a thoughtfully curated blend of movement, creativity, nourishing food, sauna and rest .… you thrive in connection and enjoy bonding with like-minded clay and yoga fans s … you like to surround yourself with meaningful objects and want to add a tea bowl in the spirit of the retreat … you seek deep rest & digital detox to reset your nervous system
Details & Registration
A small group of up to 14 participants creates space for personal attention, quiet exploration and meaningful connection. >> Book your spot
Levels All experience levels welcome (No prior yoga or ceramics experience needed)
Investment Includes full program, accommodation, organic full board, sauna, clay & materials
Double room with separate beds and private bathroom: 575 € (early bird until 31.03.2027) 595 € regular
Single room with private bathroom: 715 € (only two rooms - no early bird possible)
How to get there
Der Friedrichshof, Brandenburg, Germany
>> 1.5 hours from Berlin, 1 hour from Rostock, 2.5 hours from Hamburg
You can choose the sustainable way of traveling by train to Wittstock/Dosse and use the shuttle service of the venue. By car it is 1,5 hours from Berlin, 1 hour from Rostock, 2 hours from Hamburg.
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